Alaska understands the importance of marine sanctuaries and protected
areas. Fisheries managers have established many marine protected areas
(MPAs) in the Federal and state waters off Alaska to protect ecological
structure and function, establish control sites for scientific research
studies, conserve benthic habitat, protect vulnerable stocks and protect
cultural resources. Over 40 named MPAs are established in state and
Federal waters. All of the MPAs include measures to prohibit a
particular fishery or gear type on a seasonal or year-round basis, and
several MPAs prohibit virtually all commercial fishing. As a group they
are an important component of the management program for sustainable
fisheries and conserving marine biodiversity off Alaska.
